Bates snubbing Beckford bids

Cuddly Captain Birdseye Ken Bates has decided not to recoup the battering he took in court for slagging off Melvyn Levi in the club programme. Leeds' club website has confirmed offers have been made for both Jermaine Beckford and Fabian Delph, both former or current Newcastle targets, but were rejected:

'Leeds United can confirm that we have received offers direct from two Premier League clubs for Fabian Delph. The offers have been rejected.

It is not the club's usual policy to comment on speculation. However, in these circumstances we felt it appropriate to clarify the situation. Approaches have also been made in respect of Jermaine Beckford which have also been rejected.'

Beckford's agent had earlier said:

'It wouldn't be true to say Newcastle have missed out on Jermaine because of what is going on there.

There has been interest from other clubs and I would anticipate something happening soon, maybe in the next couple of weeks when the transfer market begins to start hotting up. But it is certainly true Newcastle is still a seriously attractive option for Jermaine.'

Bates and Levi's legal costs, which Santa has to pay, are rumoured to amount to £1.5m.